STATEMENT OF PURPOSE TO ACCOMPANY GRADUATE APPLICATION

Statement of Purpose
Name: First Last
January 4, 2010
Civil Engineering (Geotechnical specialty)
The belief that an education is most valuable when it is used to serve ones
community has been instilled in me. This conviction and a natural aptitude for
science and mathematics convinced me civil engineering was the most fitting
career for me. In fact, they continue to be the driving forces in my pursuit of
academic excellence as a senior at the University of Missouri (MU). I desire a degree
in civil engineering not only because it is the most fulfilling way I can exercise my
natural talents as a scholar, but because it also gives me the opportunity to solve
challenges directly impacting my community. Upon receiving my Bachelor of
Science in Civil Engineering, I plan to continue my education by pursuing a Masters
degree in Civil Engineering in the Geotechnical specialty. My interest in geotechnical
engineering was sparked by topics such as the theory of consolidation, shear
strength, and ground improvement methods introduced to me in my fundamentals
of soil mechanics course. It was further cultivated when I began attending seminars
presented by the geotechnical engineering program and participating in
undergraduate research. I am interested in a broad range of topics including ground
improvement methods, earthworks, and seismic response and would like to further
my knowledge of concepts similar to these through my graduate program of study.
During my four years at the University of Missouri, I have gained the qualifications
and work ethic necessary to be a successful graduate student. These characteristics
are exemplified by my contributions as an undergraduate research assistant in the
geotechnical engineering program at MU. I began conducting research during the
summer of 2008 with Dr. Greg Greene and have worked on projects focusing on
driven pile foundations and slope stability. Currently I am aiding in the development
of shear strength resistance factors for Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD)
methods for slope stability. The goal of this project is to convert the traditional
Allowable Stress Design methods currently employed by the Missouri Department of
Transportation to the more efficient LRFD methods. This will ensure appropriate
levels of reliability across slope designs as well as reduce slope construction
expenditures by eliminating over-conservatism. Conducting research has required
me to extend my knowledge of geotechnical engineering and statistical concepts
which I have not been taught in undergraduate courses. It has given me experience
with geotechnical lab testing, large scale lab experiments, field work, and
probabilistic geotechnical software. Being an active undergraduate researcher has
held me to a level of responsibility and accountability similar to what I expect to

encounter in graduate school. Lastly, as a Masters student my goal is to make a

direct contribution to the growth and advancement of the field of geotechnical
engineering through my research and studies. Following graduate school, I would
like to establish a consulting career specializing in geotechnical engineering. In this
position, I will utilize the knowledge and problem solving skills I have developed as a
student to provide solutions to a vast array of geotechnical engineering challenges.
After gaining essential professional experience, I want to acquire my Professional
Engineer license. It is my goal to use my expertise to provide innovations to the
field of geotechnical engineering and more importantly serve the public in a
practical way.